How to: Defensive driving
DEFENSIVE DRIVING is essentially a selfless and very conscious way of driving which protects not only yourself, the driver, but other road users in the traffic environment. It is a way of recognising that the road presents complex situations which can be countered by four main ways of behaviour, namely: Effective observation Good anticipation Planning Staying in control. To drive defensively one must always question the actions of the other road users. This involves expecting the unexpected and not being taken by surprise. The key principles we are talking about here are driving with responsibility, care, consideration, and courtesy. It involves putting safety above all else.
SOME ASPECTS OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING
1. If you observe that a driver is about to suddenly cut into your lane be ready to slow down, stop or even give up your right of way in order to avoid an accident.
2. Do not stop suddenly (for example, to pick up a friend), without anticipating the reaction you are getting from the other drivers, which may well result in an accident.
3. Do not speed. The better your control of your vehicle and road space, the safer you will be.
4. Do not drive beyond the limits of your vision.
5. Do not tailgate. Keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front.
6. Observe and obey signs and signals.
7. Give signals to indicate to other road users what manoeuvre you are about to undertake (turning, stopping, etc).
8. Do not use your horn unnecessarily.
9. Do not try to enforce the speed limit by blocking a speeding vehicle. It is not your job to do that. Allow them to overtake. It is their risk and out of your control.
10. Be mindful of light, weather, road conditions and traffic.
11. Never drive in a spirit of competition. Competitive driving is by its nature the opposite of defensive driving. It increases the risk to everyone.
APPROACHING A BEND – ASK YOURSELF:
How sharp is it? Is my speed right? Am I in the right position? What might I meet? Could I stop if I had to? Generally, drivers must avoid the kind of driving that: Gives offence to other road users. Provokes a negative reaction. Creates dangerous situations.
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button and Your CR-V automatically configures its engine and other energyconsuming systems to operate more efficiently.
These sleek lights add a stylistic touch and improve your visibility to other vehicles.
POWER FOLDING SIDE MIRRORS WITH INTEGRATED TURN INDICATORS
The power folding side mirrors conveniently fold inward, giving you a few extra centimetres. Turn indicators on the side mirrors improve your visibility in high traffic.
SMART ENTRY
Hop into the CR-V without ever taking your keys out of your pocket. Smart Entry recognises when your key is near the vehicle, and locks or unlocks the doors on RVSi models.
REAR-VIEW CAMERA3
Every CR-V features a rearview camera to help you see more of what’s behind you when you’re in reverse. The RVSi models are equipped with a multi-angle rear-view camera that offers wide view and top view, as well.
AIRBAGS
The CR-V is equipped with front airbags and standard SmartVent front side airbags.
The 2.4 RVSi trim adds side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor.
The 2.4-litre, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine has 188 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque. Appeal to your practical side without sacrificing a single bit of fun.
CHECKS BEFORE DRIVING:
Always check your mirror, both the rear view mirror and the side mirrors. Always note the speed of oncoming vehicles and try to anticipate as best as possible the intentions of the road users in your vicinity. If necessary, particularly at junctions, move very cautiously into a position where you can see, without emerging into the path of the oncoming traffic. The basic principle here is that you have to look and assess the situation in order to take an informed decision on whether it is now safe to drive off. Never try to force your way into traffic. How crucial is route planning to safe motoring? Very crucial as once you are on the road, you must always be clear about where you are going and the route you will need to take to get there. This helps in timely lane positioning and in giving adequate time to signal to other road users that you intend to turn. Route planning reduces anxiety and enhances driver confidence and consequently paves the way for the proper use of defensive driving techniques. Anxiety can lead to driving with impaired emotions.
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